Environmental Accidents

All manner of toxic chemicals are used in manufacturing and industry, and people are injured by them every day in the home, the workplace, and at play. Environmental toxins can have subtle, insidious effects that show up long after the initial exposure.

People can be harmed through exposure to toxic landfill waste, pesticides, radioactive materials, lead-based paint, asbestos, pesticides such as dioxin and DDT, dry-cleaning chemicals, other solvents, electromagnetic fields from utility wires and equipment or major appliances, various drugs and pharmaceuticals such as DES and tainted L-tryptophan, common industrial chemicals such as benzene and PCBs, heavy metals and other chemicals such as mercury and arsenic, latex exposure, mold/fungus, and silica or silica-containing refractory products.

Children who live in poorly maintained or older housing are particularly at risk for lead exposure; they are more likely to ingest paint, and their smaller body size and developing brains make them especially vulnerable to the dangers of lead.

Toxic chemicals and pollution in the environment can cause or exacerbate many diseases and conditions, including the following:

• various forms of cancer (lung, bladder, brain, kidney, leukemia, lymphoma, skin cancer)
• various forms of learning disabilities (ADD, ADHD, LD)
• teratogenic effects (effects on the fetus when the mother is exposed before or during pregnancy)
• respiratory effects (breathing difficulties, allergies, and other similar conditions)
• gastrointestinal effects (stomach conditions)
• cardiovascular effects (heart problems)
• hepatic effects (various liver conditions)
• renal effects (various kidney effects, including blood in the urine)
• neurological effects (various nervous system disorders, including reflex malfunction and headaches)

If you suspect that you or a loved one has been exposed to dangerous environmental toxins, consult with your doctor as soon as possible. You may also wish to contact your state's Department of Public Health, a local branch of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA), and/or your state Department of Environmental Resources (DER) to report your suspicions and to obtain information.

The attorneys at Bruce D. Townsend have experience representing individuals and families who have been harmed by exposure to environmental toxins. We will listen to your side of the story and fight on your behalf to make your environment safer. Contact our office at 845-778-2228 to discuss your legal rights and options.